Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Passes Away at 74

It’s a sad day in the world of sports, as the legendary Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74.

Ali died late on Friday while he was receiving care in a Phoenix hospital. The former boxing champ was reportedly suffering from a respiratory illness, which was worsened by the Parkinson’s disease.

After winning the Gold Medal for boxing at the Olympics in 1960 (at light-heavyweight), Ali went on to win the world heavyweight title three times. Ali retired from pro boxing in 1981, armed with an impressive record of 56-5. 37 of his wins were via KO.

Ali became one of the biggest stars sports has ever known, not only because of his pugilistic abilities, but because of his verbal gifts as well. The fighter, who is widely considered to be the greatest boxer of all time, was also an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and refused to fight, despite being conscripted. The legal battle that ensued kept Ali out of the ring for four years.